Outrage at rural vista of Berwick wind turbines
Nov 12 2008 by Brian Daniel, The Journal
ANOTHER Northumberland community is gearing up to fight a proposed wind farm. People living in the area around West Ancroft, near Berwick, are banding together to oppose plans from E.on Climate and Renewables to put up eight 125m turbines.
The company has been carrying out scoping work for a year and says it is still some way off submitting a planning application.
Nevertheless, local people have already begun to rally in opposition.
Retired couple Ian and Joy Corsie, 65 and 66 respectively, of The Shieling, Allerdean Greens, have been distributing leaflets setting out what they know of the proposal to the 170 homes they say are within two miles of the proposed wind farm.
A public meeting is planned and a campaign group is likely to be set up to fight the plans.
The couple live in one of three homes which will be most affected by the proposal.
The nearest structure would be 650 yards from their property and all the turbines would be within just over a mile of their home.
A band of the structures would disrupt their unspoilt views of the Cheviot Hills. Their view extends all the way to Holy Island.
Mr Corsie said: “The concerns are this is too close to far too many buildings – in particular it is far too close to us.
“It affects us more than anyone else because the main bulk of them will be directly south of us.
“It is just outrageous that they should want to put such monster industrial turbines in the middle of a very agricultural landscape, a very settled landscape as you cast your eye over it.
“The reaction as we have gone around delivering our information, hardly anyone knew about it and most of them are absolutely horrified.”
As well as the West Ancroft proposal, the Corsies live just a mile and a half from Moorsyde, where developer Your Energy is seeking to erect seven 110m turbines. Berwick Borough Council refused the company’s planning application last March, but an appeal was submitted and a public inquiry is to take place next year.
Mr Corsie said the two proposals would appear as one from his home if both were approved.
“There would be a solid wheel of whirling blades, whirling wheels.”
A spokesman for E.on last night said an environmental impact assessment was being carried out to consider issues such as noise and impact on wildlife and archaeological sites. “We also take on board local people’s comments as well.”
A public exhibition on the scheme will take place at Ancroft Memorial Hall next Wednesday and Thursday between 1pm and 6pm. The spokesman said: “People with any concerns can turn up and have a chat with the project team and put their minds at rest.”
